Charitable Gambling

Charitable gambling, consisting of pull-tabs, bingo, raffles, paddlewheels and tip boards, plays an important role in many Minnesota communities. In addition to the social benefits of bringing people together, the proceeds of charitable gambling benefit community organizations such as sports and recreational clubs, local charities and other nonprofit organizations.

Those who work on the front lines of charitable gambling – such as waitresses, bartenders, bingo callers and pull-tab sellers – are in a unique position to observe the behavior of those who participate in gambling. They can vicariously enjoy the thrill of someone winning, but they can also see certain players for whom gambling is no longer a fun game. For these gamblers, who represent a small percentage of players, severe problems may develop due to their gambling.

Your Role as a Charitable Gambling Operator

Simple actions can be very beneficial. Make the Minnesota Problem Gambling Helpline phone number clearly visible in your establishment. Display the educational brochure “Whether, When and How Much” available from the Northstar Problem Gambling Alliance. The brochure can be requested from info@northstarproblemgambling.org. This informational brochure helps people explore their own gambling choices. Working together, everyone in the state of Minnesota can help prevent the negative impacts of problem gambling while supporting the charitable work in our communities.